THE MISSION of St. Francis Center for Renewal is to glorify God and to witness to the Gospel by providing a Christ-centered environment of hospitality, caring and love as an oasis of peace and healing for all God’s people.

The Center, founded and staffed by the School Sisters of St. Francis, is built on our tradition of ongoing conversion of heart through prayer, reflection, liturgical celebration, and contemplation. St. Francis Center for Renewal is located on over 50 acres of natural beauty. The grounds, with wide open spaces for walking, are embraced by the gentle flow of Monocacy Creek.

The Road Continues at St. Francis Center for Renewal

Remember mid-March when we initially closed the doors at St. Francis Center for Renewal, due to the Covid19 crisis? When all of this first began, we never thought that now, in May, we would still be closed. We are all astonished by many things these days!

The Sisters and staff reviewed the potential of opening our doors this summer at the Center and became concerned that the risk is greater than the good. Summer is generally a quieter time for us, even when life is normal. When we added face masks, social distancing requirements, inability to offer buffets, salad and drink stations, coupled with investment in disposable wares, temperature screenings and continued concern over shared living space, the concept of “opening” seemed more like confinement. Consequently, we have made the difficult decision that our doors will remain closed through August.

Know, however, that we are alive and kicking! With so much anxiety, loss and grief surrounding us, we believe that there has never been a time of greater need for the services that we provide…for finding an Oasis for Peace and Healing!

So, we are not shying away from our mission or our work. We will expand and deliver our online capability in keeping with our original intentions to better serve the homebound, which now includes all of us – young, middle-age, and beyond. Even as our area re-opens, social distancing and monitoring our space is still an important reality! Watch for news on our offerings ahead to see how these programs might brighten and enlighten your summer!

Like many small organizations, the times have brought financial woes to the Center as there is little to no income realized. Many of our friends and supporters have risen to this occasion and found ways to support us through this time. To those who can and do support us, we thank you with grateful hearts! Keeping in mind that our 2019-2020 Annual Appeal will end on June 30th, we are designing a special online “Day of Giving” for this purpose. We have chosen to celebrate the longest day of summer, the SUMMER SOLSTICE, on JUNE 20, with a special DAY OF GIVING for the ministry of St. Francis Center for Renewal. Stay tuned for more information in the coming weeks. If you have the means to be forthcoming on this day during this difficult time, we also thank you, in advance. If you cannot do so, we hope you can support us in other ways that matter – through prayers and participation in our programming. We hope that we all will not only soldier on but grow in ways that help us emerge stronger and better for the journey. We need your help to do that!

Additionally, we have other news to offer. ONLINE SPIRITUAL DIRECTION will now be available with Sr. Marguerite Stewart, beginning June 1. If you are interested in meeting with Sr. Marguerite, please email her at smargueriteosf@yahoo.com.

We are also offering availability of our clean and sanitized HERMITAGE APARTMENT for anyone who wishes to “get away” in a comfortable, private setting to decompress and enjoy the gift of solitude. Interested parties would bring their own food and drink for their stay. Cost and reservation information can be obtained by calling the Center at 610.867.8890.

Also watch for exciting news and updates regarding our 10th Annual Star Struck Gala, COMING TO AMERICA, in August. We promise a fun-filled evening of celebration for all!

The Lord bless you and keep you.May He show His face to you and have mercy.May He turn His countenance to you and give you peace.The Lord bless you!